BCL Online Picks — August 20, 2026

August 20, 2026/BCL/BCL Online Picks

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Fear, uncertainty, and doubt (“FUD”) may surround us, but our faithful God reigns supreme. Explore biblical hope, God’s sovereignty, assurance, and more in this week’s online picks!

1. How Can I Deal with Despair?

Even believers can experience seasons of deep anguish and despair. Over at Ligonier Ministries, Kara Dedert offers practical, Christ-centered steps to take when we are walking through the darkness so that we can persevere with faith, patience, and hope. Read it here →

2. Solid Comfort from a Familiar Verse

After his beloved wife of nearly 42 years died unexpectedly in her sleep, pastor F. Allan Story Jr. found deep comfort in the familiar words of Romans 8:28. In this Orthodox Presbyterian Church post, Story explains how God’s sovereignty, love, and covenantal presence give Christians a firm foundation for rejoicing and giving thanks even amid profound sorrow. Read it here →

3. No Holy Land: Does Israel Still Have a Biblical Claim on the Middle East?

Does the modern nation of Israel still have a biblical claim to the land promised to Abraham? Writing for Modern Reformation, theologian Michael Horton explains why Christians should understand the Old Testament land promises in light of their fulfillment in Christ and the new covenant. Read it here →

4. 10 Reasons to Hope (When All Seems Hopeless)

Discouraging news seems to be everywhere, but Christians don’t have to view the world through the lens of discouragement. Written over a decade ago but as relevant as ever, pastor and author David Murray’s article at Ligonier Ministries gives ten reasons why biblical hope changes how we face both the present and the future. Read it here →

5. Hope Against Hope

What’s the difference between biblical hope and simply hoping that things will turn out the way we want? Drawing in part from her experience with her son’s mental illness and eventual death, Simonetta Carr explains over at Modern Reformation why Christian hope can face painful realities without losing heart because it rests in the character and promises of God. Read it here →

6. Let’s Stop Imaging Jesus

Are depictions of Christ in children’s Bibles, artwork, and movies helpful teaching tools, or do they violate the Second Commandment? Over at Reformation 21, Aaron Roberts makes the case that Christians should stop creating images of Jesus. Read it here →

7. Faith and Assurance

Doubt, guilt, and fear can sometimes leave Christians wondering whether they truly belong to God and will always be his. In this Ligonier Ministries article, theologian and author Joel Beeke shares practical ways believers can grow in assurance of salvation and rest more confidently in God’s unchanging love for them. Read it here →